College Fantasy Football: Defenses to watch for Week 9
It is already Week 9 of the college football season. Here is a look at five wide receivers you should consider starting in your fantasy leagues.
MORE: QBs to watch for Week 9 | RBs | WRs | Rivals Fantasy Football Home
UTAH
UCLA is only scoring about 22.8 points per game and the Bruins did not score more than 24 points in the first five games of the season. The offense has looked much better in recent weeks with wins over Cal and Arizona, but Utah’s defense is fantastic and is giving up just 17.7 points per outing. A bunch of top UCLA players, especially on offense, are questionable heading into this Friday night matchup, so the Utes will handle their business, shut down UCLA’s offense and leave town with a win.
CLEMSON
Florida State running back Cam Akers is only averaging 65.7 yards per game and this has been against defensive fronts nowhere near as good as what Clemson is bringing to town this weekend. Clemson’s front four should feast on Florida State’s offensive line, making it difficult for quarterback Deondre Francois to have any time in the pocket to throw downfield. The Tigers have also given up five passing touchdowns all season. Clemson is 17-point favorites for a reason. Florida State should have a very tough time moving the ball and especially scoring points.
TEXAS A&M
The Texas A&M-Mississippi State game is shaping up to be a low-scoring, defensive slugfest so that’s good news for the Aggies’ defense in fantasy leagues. Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald has largely been reduced to a running threat - and that’s where Texas A&M is best allowing just 3.2 yards per carry and five rushing scores all season. Mississippi State’s defense is also exceptional this season and has shut down some pretty good offenses recently. In a low-scoring game like this there is a rhythm that emerges in these games where teams will not take too many chances. That’s a good sign for Texas A&M to keep points low.
NOTRE DAME
Coming off an open date, Notre Dame has had two weeks to prepare for Navy’s option offense. Plus, Navy’s starting quarterback and far-and-away its rushing leader, Malcolm Perry, is dealing with a leg injury and might not even play this weekend. Even if Perry suits up, he won’t be 100 percent. The Irish are giving up only 126 rushing yards per game, they’ve had two weeks to prepare for the Midshipmen, they’re coming off a scare against Pitt and Navy’s leading rusher won’t be 100 percent if he plays at all. Notre Dame should roll.
WASHINGTON
Cal scored a season-high 49 points last week but that was against one of the worst defenses nationally in Oregon State. This weekend should be a completely different story. The Huskies are giving up just 15.6 points per game this season against some good competition and a decent Colorado offense garnered just 13 points last week. Washington has better players than Cal basically across the board so if the Huskies show up to play and don’t let the Golden Bears hang around, this should be a great pick.
